Jaganmohan Reddy strongly believes there is still a strong YSR sentiment among the voters. The same mistake was done in 2014 election when an overconfident Jagan relied heavily on this perception. By the time he realized what was missing, it became too late. The Chandrababu-Pawan-Modi alliance swept aside all sentiments bringing the TDP-BJP alliance to power in AP. This time, the anti-Jagan alliance has split up. The TDP, Jana Sena and BJP are contesting separately. Then will there be any scope for YSR sentiment to come to the rescue of Jagan?
The just-released ‘Yatra’ event-specific biopic is solely aimed to recreate the magic of YSR sentiment. There is no doubt this is to benefit YCP ahead of the coming general election. To ensure greater impact of the film, they have used services of versatile actor Mammooty to don the role of YSR. The entire film revolved around YSR ‘padayatra’ that brought him to power in 2004. It also made YSR personality larger than Congress party itself.
Soon after the film hit the screens, political circles began speculating whether it will serve its intended purpose of reviving YSR sentiment. Will the sentiment appeal to the masses after 10 years of YSR death? Analysts say sentiment will not have a major impact since its power is already proved in 2014. It may work to some extent if there is a strong under current of anti-incumbency against the TDP government. Probably this is why Chandrababu is coming out with all sorts of gifts and schemes to attract the masses and dilute anti-government feelings if any.